ISLAMABAD: Referring to the HIV cases in Taunsa, former special assistant to the prime minister on health Dr Zafar Mirza on Saturday expressed concerns over the rising number of HIV cases in Pakistan, warning that the situation was becoming increasingly alarming.

He said the reuse of contaminated syringes and inadequate screening of blood before transfusion was major contributors to the spread of the disease. He demanded that a report be prepared by the Punjab government’s commission on the matter besides an audit of global health funding received by Pakistan.

Speaking at a press conference at the National Press Club, he said that Pakistan had one of the highest numbers of HIV cases in Asia, along with countries like India and China. He said approximately 70pc of blood transfusions in Pakistan was conducted without proper screening. He said diseases such as Hepatitis C, Hepatitis B, HIV and malaria required strict and regular screening protocols to curb their spread.

Accompanies by Dr Rana Jawad, Dr Qaid Saeed, Asghar Satti and HIV-positive patient Nayyer Majeed, Dr Mirza said that the growing prevalence of HIV and other infectious diseases reflected the weaknesses in the country’s healthcare system. He said proper screening of blood before transfusion was essential to prevent the spread of life-threatening illnesses.

He referred to a recent BBC documentary that went viral on social media, highlighting a shocking incident at the Tehsil Headquarters Hospital in Taunsa. According to the report, due to negligence and unprofessional conduct by hospital staff, dozens of patients were infected with HIV after being injected with the same syringe. He described it a clear example of systemic failure in Pakistan’s healthcare infrastructure.

Dr Mirza stated that the issue cannot be blamed on a single government, but rather was a collective failure over the time. However, he said it was imperative for both the public and the government to recognise the gravity of the situation. He urged the federal and provincial governments to take their responsibility seriously and implement effective measures.

He also called for the public release of the report prepared by the Punjab government’s commission on the matter and demanded an audit of global health funding received by Pakistan.

Demolition of houses in katchi abadis

Dr Mirza, who is the national spokesperson for Awaam Pakistan Party, in a statement expressed concern over the ongoing demolition of houses in katchi abadis in Islamabad.

“Despite a clear stay order issued by the Federal Constitutional Court, the continued operations in Bari Imam, Allama Iqbal Colony G-7 and other areas constituted a blatant violation of court directives and a direct assault on the fundamental rights of vulnerable citizens,” he said.

“Awaam Pakistan welcomes the decision of the Federal Constitutional Court to uphold the injunction against forced evictions and to direct the CDA to formulate a clear, comprehensive, and workable policy on katchi abadis within four weeks. However, we believe that this delay has left hundreds of thousands of citizens in a state of uncertainty and fear -- an unacceptable situation in any civilised society,” he said.

“Under the CDA Ordinance 1960, it is the state’s obligation to either regularise informal settlements or provide alternative housing to affected residents -- an obligation that continues to be neglected. At present, over 450,000 residents in Islamabad have either been rendered homeless or are living under the constant threat of displacement.

Awaam Pakistan Party has demanded that the demolition of homes be halted immediately, full and immediate compliance with court orders be ensured and affected families be provided with immediate protection.

“We reiterate our commitment to being a strong and effective voice for the residents of katchi abadis at every forum and will continue our struggle for the protection of their constitutional and human rights,” Dr Mirza said.

Published in Dawn, April 19th, 2026